Liga MX Super Clásico shines light on Copa GNP

For América, it’s 14th Liga MX title or bust

The Aguilas must be contenders every Liga MX season; the Guardianes will be no different. And Miguel Herrera knows it.

Even though “El Piojo” is poised to become América’s all-time winningest coach, it will be considered hollow if not accompanied by hardware. The last league trophy the Aguilas put on their shelf came after the Apertura 2018 and Herrera is chasing his third Liga MX crown as América boss.

Last season, “Los Azulcremas” got hit by the injury bug and two key players remain sidelined. Striker Nico Castillo had complications following March surgery that could keep him out most of this season; midfielder Nicolás Benedetti tore his ACL while on international duty with Argentina. He could be back to full training by late August.

“El Piojo” will make do with a balance of young imports, academy players and sturdy veterans.

Uruguayan striker Federico Viñas starred during América’s run to the Apertura 2019 Finals and management signed the 22-year-old to a 4-year deal this spring. He’ll share time with veterans Henry Martín and Roger Martínez.

Argentine winger Leo Suárez, 24, will work alongside homegrown starlet Sebastián Córdova, 23, who is on a fast track to Europe. And América fans still hold out hope that midfielder Gio dos Santos will rediscover his mojo and rise up to meet the unfulfilled expectations set for him since his star turn at the U-17 World Cup in 2005.

Forming a durable double pivot are Paraguayan Richard Sánchez and former Chiva Fernando González. Sánchez is a bigger contributor going forward, but both know how to disrupt opponents’ forays.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Uruguayan Sebastián Cáceres will help spell veteran defenders Bruno Valdez and Emanuel Aguilera now that Luis Fuentes’ loan deal lapsed. Paul Aguilar is long in the tooth, but still a capable right back, while Luis “El Hueso” Reyes and Jorge Sánchez will share time on the left.

At the back, El Tri netminder Guillermo Ochoa is still capable of spectacular reflex saves.

The Liga MX schedule has the Aguilas hosting the Chivas for a Matchday 11 Super Clásico in mid-September. No doubt, the bitter rivals will be jockeying for playoff seeds.